x

Excessive Dietary Supplement Intake and Kidney Damage

Dietary supplements, while intended to enhance health, can lead to kidney damage when consumed excessively. These supplements, including vitamins, minerals, and various ingredients, are not substitutes for a balanced diet crucial for overall well-being.

Experts emphasize that supplements, unless approved by regulatory authorities for specific health claims, are not meant to cure diseases. Recent studies, however, reveal a concerning link between uncontrolled supplement intake and chronic kidney diseases (CKD).

CKD, affecting 10-15% of the global population, has seen a surge in recent years, compounded by hypertension and diabetes epidemics. With no targeted drugs for CKD, attention is shifting to nutrition’s impact on kidney health.

While certain diets are being explored for their potential in CKD management, the widespread use of dietary supplements raises concerns. The global market for these supplements reached nearly $121 billion USD in 2018.

Unfortunately, the accessibility of supplements without prescription, especially in places like Nigeria, where they are deemed fashionable, contributes to their increasing use. However, experts warn that supplements should only be taken under professional guidance, not as substitutes for nutrients derived from actual food.

Studies suggest a potential connection between excessive supplement intake and kidney damage, particularly in individuals with pre-existing conditions like CKD. Some vitamins and minerals, when taken in excess, can build up in the body and harm the kidneys.

Notably, Vitamin C, often thought to be harmless, may contribute to oxalate buildup, leading to pain and other complications. A call is made for caution, emphasizing that medical advice should precede any new supplement regimen.

Experts stress that CKD alters nutrient needs, and certain medications can affect how the body utilizes vitamins and minerals. As the prevalence of dietary supplement use rises, it becomes crucial for individuals to consult healthcare professionals before starting any supplement regimen, especially if they have kidney-related concerns.

Furthermore, concerns are raised about the over-the-counter availability of supplements and the need for regulatory bodies like NAFDAC to reassess their accessibility.

In conclusion, while nutrients are essential for bodily functions, excessive reliance on dietary supplements, without professional guidance, poses a risk to kidney health. Individuals are urged to prioritize a balanced diet, seek medical advice, and exercise caution when considering supplement usage.

Hot this week

Police Disperse #ReleaseNnamdiKanuNow Protesters After Regrouping in Abuja

Police operatives on Monday dispersed demonstrators demanding the release...

INSPIRATION: Do Not Let Life Define You

With Mary EwaThough bashed, pained, rejected, and even abandoned,...

BREAKING:** Nnamdi Kanu’s Lawyers Quit Terrorism Case

Lead counsel and former Attorney-General of the Federation, Kanu...

US-Based Nigerian Entrepreneur Relocates to Abuja, Set to Employ 10,000 Workers in Restaurant Venture

By Achadu Gabriel, KadunaA United States-based Nigerian entrepreneur and...

CSO Urges State Governors to Emulate Jigawa Governor, Approve Advance Payment for 2026 Hajj

By Jabiru HassanIndependent Hajj Reporters (IHR), a faith-based civil...

Plateau Government Reaffirms Support for NYSC’s Rural Health Initiative in Jos East

By Israel Adamu, JosThe Plateau State Government has reaffirmed...

Related Articles

Popular Categories

spot_imgspot_img